Alar base reduction on think Hispanic skin: Can it disrupt your breathing? Is scarring noticeable? What's the cost rage? (photo)

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose.   You may also benefit from an alar base reduction.  Cost varies based on geographic region and surgeon expertise.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

If done correctly it will not alter your breathing ability. The thick skin of your nose will make any changes to the underlying skeleton softer. Go on a few consultations to get a better understanding of your options and price quotes.Best

Dear vee2fly,Thank you for your question. alar base reduction can be performed to create the appearance of a more narrow nasal base with limited scarring.  Over reduction can disrupt breathing, so this is an important point.  When performed in isolation my surgeon's fees are 3k for this.  Taken together, I would recommend that you undergo image simulation to see how the alar base reduction relates to your and nasal tip dimension.  Harmony is important in this process.  I hope this helps you find your answer.Be healthy and be well, James M. Ridgway, M.D., FACS